Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) are more important today than ever before. The legal
implications that arise from not having an EMS are more compelling, and thanks to Sarbanes-Oxley
and the growing influence of corporate social responsibility, the results of managing environmental
issues are critically important.

EMSs: What are they?

EMSs are structured approaches to the management of environmental issues, and provide the
foundation for ensuring compliance and benchmarking performance. The EPA defines EMSs as “a
continual cycle of planning, implementing, reviewing and improving the processes and actions that an
organization undertakes to meet its business and environmental goals.”

The agency maintains a website at www.epa.gov/ems/index.htm where background on its EMS
initiative can be found, as well as various useful guidance documents, policy documents, FAQs and
related information. Summaries of the advantages of EMS development and implementation are
included.

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